Neymar can be greatest footballer in world: Ronaldinho

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho believes striker Neymar has all the necessary qualities to become the greatest player in the world.

Neymar (Pic/AFP) and Ronaldinho

The 23-year-old has been in fine form for his Spanish club FC Barcelona this season, scoring 13 goals in his 14 appearances - including 10 in his last seven outings.

"Neymar is a phenomenon. He is the best Brazilian player in the world at the moment - it's great to see him continue everything we have done before," Ronaldinho was quoted as saying by FC Barcelona's official website on Wednesday.

"It's nice to see a Brazilian continuing to make history. I think he can (be the greatest in the world). He's a great player, a great friend and I hope everything goes well for him," he said.

When asked if Argentina skipper Lionel Messi's rise had been more spectacular than he'd imagined a decade ago, the 35-year-old said, "Surprised? No I expected he would be all this. He's always shown a lot quality, so it's nice to see how he does as the years go by, all the time with more years, more maturity, that's the nice thing about football."

"What I remember best is his first goal. He was playing alongside me, I gave him the pass, I remember it was our best moment playing together, a special moment," Ronaldinho said.